United Fresh Seeks Emerging Leaders
Applications are now being accepted for the 18th annual class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program, presented by the United Fresh Foundation’s Center for Leadership Excellence.
The program, made possible through a grant from DuPont Crop Protection in Wilmington, Del., is a special opportunity for the Washington-based trade association’s members to advance their leadership skills and knowledge.
Launched in 1995, the program is the only ongoing, fully paid leadership program for the produce industry. The four fundamental goals covered by the program are leadership development, business relationships, government and public affairs, and media and public relations.
During a year-long fellowship, participants go on a series of customized trips that include face-to-face meetings with leading industry players, hands-on training with top industry experts and educators, and interactive experiences with influential leaders in Washington. This year's schedule will feature trips to central California, Washington, Wilmington and southern Florida. The class will graduate at the 2013 United Fresh Convention.
Participation in the program is limited to 12 fellows selected by an advisory committee, which this year is chaired by United Fresh board member and program alumna Emily Fragoso of South Pasadena, Calif.-based Status Gro. Fellows are chosen in a competitive process from a broad cross-section of industry applicants to represent future leaders across the breadth of the United Fresh membership. Since the program’s inception, more than 200 industry members have taken part.
“This program is the perfect fusion of professional skills building, industry education and networking,” noted Fragoso. “This is a life-changing experience.”
Those interested in applying for the program can download information and an application. The deadline for applications is Friday, March 2, 2012. The Leadership Program is exclusive to United Fresh members only. There’s no cost to participate, and all regular expenses are covered by the program. For more information, contact Shannon Young, United Fresh education manager, at [email protected] or 202-303-3405.
Founded in 1998, the United Fresh Produce Association Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization committed to meeting the public’s needs for an abundant supply of healthy, safe and affordable fresh fruits and vegetables.